5 Apps for Home Redesign

With just a couple of months until 2016, you may be considering a house revamp for the new year. Could the living room use a total style makeover? Are you finally able to start that kitchen renovation of your dreams? And what about changing the entire vibe of the master bedroom from tropical resort to French provincial? All you need to get started on these varied projects is a tablet or smartphone. Take home redesign into your own hands (literally!) by exploring these five apps, which offer everything from furniture and accessories to floor plans and color swatches. Start swiping.

By now, you’re likely familiar with the rabbit hole of eye candy that is Pinterest. The digital photo hub is not just a way to organize your DIY and cooking aspirations, however. It can be a great place to seek and gather images for home ideas, too. Discover endless inspiration for entire rooms and chic accessories. When you find a pic you like, “pin” (a.k.a. save) it to a virtual pinboard, to be accessed any time you like.

Houzz

image: houzz

Houzz is similar to Pinterest in that it offers tons of photos to browse, but they’re specifically geared toward all things house related. You can save favorite images of kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc., without have to weed through irrelevant knitting projects and baking directions. The other benefit of Houzz is that it directly links you to options for professionals such as contractors and remodelers. You can also shop on the app for many of the products featured.

Homestyler

Once you’ve got a particular room aesthetic in mind, put it to the test with Homestyler. The app enables users to create various floor plans that reflect their spaces and the items they want to include in them. Make 2D and 3D plans that can be viewed via multiple angles. Also browse and rate the designs of others.

HGTV Folio

image: HGTVFolio

Get some pocket-sized help from pros with the HGTV Folio app. Look at rooms created by HGTV experts and designers specifically by show. Save and share the pics that stand out, and use them as a starting point for your own home redesign.

Rachel Morgan Kalina is the creative director of The Wood & Watch jewelry and a freelance writer. She knows how to wield a flame to shape metal; loves to travel; and is passionate about art, antiques, DIY, and nature. Visit her at TheWoodandWatch.com and RachelKalina.com